Rio Grande do Sul pre‑candidates debate cooperativism and tax veto

Three pre‑candidates for the governorship of Rio Grande do Sul took part in the Forum dos Presidentes 2026 in Porto Alegre, a gathering of cooperative leaders representing 4.4 million members. The forum highlighted that the cooperative sector contributes about 14 % of the state’s GDP, with revenues of R$ 103 billion last year, and discussed measures to cope with extreme climate events and strengthen institutional dialogue, organised by the Sistema Ocergs.

Governor Eduardo Leite vetoed a bill that would have eliminated the vehicle‑licensing tax (CRLV), arguing that the loss of roughly R$ 750 million in annual revenue would be fiscally irresponsible. Deputy Rodrigo Lorenzoni called the veto “absurd” and said the legislature could overturn it. A recent poll shows Luciano Zucco (PL) leading the governor race with 39 % support, while Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) tops a national presidential preference survey with 44 %.